PAOLO SEBASTIAN – 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY
To celebrate Fateful Fashion’s 5th Anniversary, I wanted to collaborate with other Adelaide creatives in Fashion, to reflect back on their own journeys and setting future predictions/intentions for the next 5 years.
I have been fortunate enough to interview Paul Vasileff of Paolo Sebastian, who has always been an inspiration to myself and is a true depiction of hard work recognized and rewarded, and through it all, Paul has always been so humble and gracious.
Fateful Fashion interviewed Paul a few years ago, when we were both in our earlier stages of our fashion journey, and it has been so amazing to have the opportunity to interview Paul again, I am truly grateful for Pauls’ commitment to Paolo Sebastian and his support of others in the fashion industry.
Looking back what has been the most outstanding favourite moment for Paolo Sebastian?
One of the most outstanding moments for Paolo Sebastian has to be collaborating with Disney on an exclusive Disney inspired couture collection. For as long as I can remember I have been inspired by Disney, so to collaborate with them was a dream come true! ‘Once Upon A Dream’ pays homage to stories and characters that have played a such a significant role in my life, as they have for so many people
What is something we can expect from Paolo Sebastian in the year ahead?
I’m currently working on our Autumn Winter 18/19 Couture Collection, which will be launching mid-year. While I can’t give too much away, I’m really excited to share this collection with everyone
What is one ‘goal’ in the next 5 years you wish to achieve?
For Paolo Sebastian, the goal has always been to reach the title of Haute Couture, which is the highest level of couture in the world. While becoming Haute Couture can be a very extensive process, this is something my team and I are working incredibly hard at achieving.
What advice would you give yourself 10 years ago?
It would be the same advice I give to everyone, keep working hard, dream big and never quit
What has been the most challenging obstacle you have had to overcome with Paolo Sebastian?
When I started Paolo Sebastian back in 2007, I was just 17 years old. There were some real challenges with people thinking I was too young and may have felt that because I was from Adelaide, I had no idea what I was doing. Thankfully, that perception within the industry here has changed
You have always been such a huge supporter of Adelaide and in particular the fashion scene in Adelaide, do you ever see yourself branching out in to other areas of fashion?
There is a real community spirit here in Adelaide and the people genuinely want to see others succeed. Throughout my career I’ve worked with so many incredible people who have gone out of their way to support me and Paolo Sebastian. In terms of branching out in different areas of fashion, we definitely want to continue to expand internationally, however, still remain based here. Down the line we could certainly consider expanding into Ready-To-Wear and accessories, however that is certainly some time away
If you weren’t behind the seams at Paolo Sebastian, what do you think you would be doing?
Growing up I either wanted to be a fashion designer or work for Disney so I never really had much of a back-up plan
Outside of Paolo Sebastian, what is your favourite thing to do? When you are not designing of course!
When I’m not working, I love spending time with my friends and family, either relaxing at the beach or going to one of the many great restaurants in Adelaide.
What is one thing you have learnt throughout the last 10 years that you can pass on to those embarking on their own fashion journey?
Over the past 10 years I have learnt so much about the fashion industry, but one of the most important lessons I’ve learnt is the importance of hard-work, taking pride in everything you do and never giving up. I would tell anyone embarking on a new venture to constantly keep learning and developing new skills.
Photo credit: Paolo Sebastian
Thanks again Paul, for this opportunity to catch up and reflect on your success of Paolo Sebastian!
